Just back from a 5 night stay. We were with our team for a cheer competition and were housed in Cabanas 8B (room 8220) which are Standard rooms. Two Queen beds, double vanity, shower and bath tub. Overall, the room was comfortable and spacious, lots of storage space, including under the bed storage space for luggage which was great. The location for us was great as it was an easy walk to the Dig Site pool, as well as the quiet pool in the Ranchos area. It was a 7 minute walk to the main lobby. Bus Stop #4 was right behind our building so easy to hop on and off the bus if we did not need to stop in the lobby first. Cast members were friendly and helpful. Housekeeping was less than stellar. I would rate as a 4 out of 10. The first full day they did not come. The second day they came around 5:30 pm and only made beds but did not empty trash or take away used towels. They were responsive when I called for them to come do that and apologized. The third day they came around 6 pm while we were trying to get ready for dinner so I just declined.
The pool bar was good. Had a Fiestas Margarita which was delicious (frozen tri-colored). DD got a chicken Caesar salad that was pre-made and just OK. Her friend got a cheeseburger which looked much better. Chicken tenders were yummy. Bar tenders were very friendly- much friendlier than the food people. The food at El Mercado was average - like any quick food you might get at a museum or when out and about. They were able to make DD a grilled cheese on the grill which was yummy. Maya Grill was good but $$$. $70 for one adult entree and one child's meal, plus an appetizer. No drinks. Rix Sports Bar and Grill was good- I had a the Rix salad with shrimp and it was fresh and delicious. Very friendly service there. And finally, Cafe Rix was great for quick coffee and muffin on the way out in the mornings. Their chocolate chip cookies and gelato were delicious, and my DD enjoyed a tropical smoothie from there one afternoon.
I enjoyed the grounds of the hotel- I liked the lake and the paths and did not find the resort as huge and spread out as people discuss. That being said, I love walking and do not have little ones who might not be easily able to walk for long periods of time.
Overall, I would definitely stay there again. It was my first "moderate" stay (have done BC, AKL and GF) and I found it very comfortable. The main negative was those awful Love Bugs all over the resort (and the parks). They are EVERYWHERE. I do not mind bugs, but if you don't like bugs, do not go to Orlando in MAY. They literally swarm around you, land on you, end up in your room, stuck all over the bottoms of your shoes...a few somehow came home with me in my suitcase, LOL.